Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is the perfect one-pot meal that brings together simple ingredients and bold flavors. This dish is not only ideal for weeknight dinners but also great for meal prepping or game day gatherings. With its hearty texture and the zing of buffalo sauce, this chili will surely become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Simply toss all the ingredients in your slow cooker, set it, and forget it!
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of spices and buffalo sauce creates a deliciously spicy kick.
• Healthy Protein Source: Featuring chicken and beans, this chili is protein-rich and filling.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with your favorite toppings like avocado or cheese.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for making ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to make the process seamless. Having the right equipment ensures that you can focus on enjoying your meal rather than stressing over preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Forks or hand mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Enables hands-off cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurements of spices for consistent flavor every time.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients quickly before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Forks or hand mixer: Makes shredding chicken effortless, ensuring a tender texture in every bite.

Ingredients

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is a super simple one-pot meal that uses whole ingredients, is packed with flavor, great for meal prepping, and full of protein.

Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tbsp chili powder
– 2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 cup frozen corn
– 2 – 10 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes and green chiles
– 2 – 15 ounce can cannellini beans
– 1/2 cup Franks Buffalo Sauce
– 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
– 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
– 4 oz cottage cheese (blended)

How to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Add all of the other ingredients (in order) except the cream cheese and cottage cheese to the slow cooker. Stir everything together then cover with the lid.

Step 2: Cook the Chili

Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours or until the chicken breasts are cooked through.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks or a hand mixer to shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese

Add the cream cheese into the slow cooker and whisk it in until there are no lumps.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Cover with the lid again and cook on low for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Final Touches

Turn off the slow cooker and quickly stir in the blended cottage cheese. Taste for seasoning and adjust as desired.

Step 7: Serve

Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply want a cozy dinner, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Green Onions: Add a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A cool, creamy addition that balances the spice.
• Grated Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack melts beautifully over the warm chili.

Pair with Crunchy Sides

• Tortilla Chips: Perfect for dipping and adds a satisfying crunch.
• Cornbread Muffins: Soft and slightly sweet, they complement the chili well.

Serve in Creative Ways

• Over Rice or Quinoa: Transform your chili into a hearty bowl by adding grains underneath.
• Stuffed Peppers: Use bell peppers as vessels for your chili for an appealing presentation.

How to Perfect Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

To make your crockpot buffalo chicken chili even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh produce enhances flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the spice by adding more or less buffalo sauce according to your preference.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrients and texture.
• Let It Sit: Allowing the chili to rest can deepen flavors before serving.
• Store Leftovers Properly: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: A classic side that’s perfect for scooping up chili.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine paired with creamy dressing complements the richness of the chili.
3. Coleslaw: Adds a refreshing crunch to balance the spiciness of the dish.
4. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy potatoes serve as a hearty base for your chili topping.
5. Vegetable Platter: Fresh veggies like carrots and celery provide a healthy contrast.
6. Polenta Cakes: Creamy polenta cakes offer a unique twist when served alongside the chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning – Failing to properly season your chili can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust the spices before serving.
• Not shredding the chicken enough – Leaving large chunks of chicken can make it harder to blend flavors. Ensure you shred it well for a better texture.
• Using frozen ingredients without thawing – Adding frozen chicken or other ingredients may extend cooking time and affect consistency. Thaw them beforehand for best results.
• Ignoring the cream cheese incorporation – Not mixing in the cream cheese properly can create lumps. Whisk it thoroughly until smooth before adding back the chicken.
• Overcooking the chili – Cooking too long can dry out the chicken. Keep an eye on cooking times to keep it tender and juicy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the chili to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion.

Reheating Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until hot, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili unique?

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is unique due to its spicy buffalo sauce combined with hearty beans and vegetables, creating a flavorful twist on traditional chili.

Can I customize my Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini or adjust the spice level by using different sauces or peppers.

How do I thicken my Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

To thicken your chili, you can add cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) or let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer after cooking.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes! This recipe is packed with protein from chicken and beans while being low in calories. It’s also customizable for various dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is not only easy to make but also versatile and packed with flavor. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for meal prepping or enjoying on chilly evenings!